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Hopefully I can have one read through before having it being torn apart.
FEATURE:
Memwipe - Sci-Fi, Action, Thriller (114 pages) - In a world where memories can be erased by request, a Memory Erasing Specialist desperately searches for the culprit when his wife becomes a target for erasure -- with his former colleagues hot on his trail.
When reviewing and noting on these first submissions (obviously we have a range of experience and skill) should we just start hacking (and supporting!) in some wacky, free-form style or should the authors begin with "I know I need help HERE and HERE. Suggestions please." and let the beatings focus on those spots?
A fair read and review of a single screenplay demands quite a bit of time. I find myself spending more time on writing a review than reading it (assuming I can get past the first 10 to 50 pages*). R&R of TEN screenplays is a significant commitment of effort. I'd hate to waste my time looking at something other authors aren't interested in X 10.
And I'm assuming ALL of these will require at least one rewrite to be submitted for additional abuse. I suggest nit pick splellin'Ngrammerin' then.
* Do we need to commit ourselves to reading the whole thing, no matter how gawdawful one story may be, kinda like a paid professional? Or can we say "Sorry. Couldn't get past page 20."?
I guess I'm one of the few (or only?) with a female protagonist. I don't think she swears at all, but then again, there's not much swearing at all from any of the characters.
It looks like I'm going to finish at the 90 page mark, maybe a page or two more but that's it. I'm working everyday until Saturday so it looks like mine might be a 11.58pm last minute job to get over the finish line. All the hard stuff is over so I'll definitely make it. 100%.
I'll be reading every script from first page to last. I can't wait to see what everyone came up with!
I deal with a female protagonist just that she's 11 years old. I'm dealing with children mostly.
Just Murdered by Sean Elwood (Zombie Sean) and Gabriel Moronta (Mr. Ripley) - (Dark Comedy, Horror) All is fair in love and war. A hopeless romantic gay man resorts to bloodshed to win the coveted position of Bridesmaid. 99 pages. https://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-comedy/m-1624410571/
[quote=RayW]"When reviewing and noting on these first submissions (obviously we have a range of experience and skill) should we just start hacking (and supporting!) in some wacky, free-form style or should the authors begin with "I know I need help HERE and HERE. Suggestions please." and let the beatings focus on those spots?
A fair read and review of a single screenplay demands quite a bit of time. I find myself spending more time on writing a review than reading it (assuming I can get past the first 10 to 50 pages*). R&R of TEN screenplays is a significant commitment of effort. I'd hate to waste my time looking at something other authors aren't interested in" X 10. End quote
Maybe approach each screenplay with the knowledge that it's a draft and that we're not going to edit each one word-for-word but we will read them, word for word.
Or, if you outright hate the first 20 pages, just say so (and say why, gently, if possible)and move on to the next screenplay (I mean, I don't want to torture anybody with my 80 something pages, I'm pretty sure if you don't like the first 20 pages you won't like the rest of it, either).
I'm having major cold feet. I want to rewrite and suddenly thinking there's no time. I'm planning for the major rewrite and since I don't have a word of outline - I'll need to outline it first, then change the outline and follow it. The script needs it because it's non-linear and confusing - I have two twins (and the plot revolves around confusing the two), one of them gets a scar and the time line is pre scar (past), after scar (also past), and after the head trauma (present time).
Should I apologize and submit or submit and ask for feedback only after I post a rewrite... You tell me!
Last time we did this, some people read mine, hated it to the point of preferring not to comment at all...
I think it's fair to read those scripts who's author read yours. Some people write long and very detailed comments and point out every single typo. Others read and point out only a few things they liked and a few things they didn't. I think it's up to you what you want to do.
I'm thinking on not submitting on Sat. Maybe the next week. I need to do a lot of revising on mines. lol. The second act is giving me alot of problems. I have certain scenes in mind but I need to work on moving the story to those specific scenes.
Just Murdered by Sean Elwood (Zombie Sean) and Gabriel Moronta (Mr. Ripley) - (Dark Comedy, Horror) All is fair in love and war. A hopeless romantic gay man resorts to bloodshed to win the coveted position of Bridesmaid. 99 pages. https://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-comedy/m-1624410571/
Here's what I'll do - I'll seriously ask everyone to just stop reading if he/she doesn't like it I really want it read and I think after the rewrite they'll be able to, and without stumbling too much, so I'm thinking it'll do a lot of good if the reader will stop reading and continue after the rewrite instead of insisting on finishing the read and getting frustrated with each additional page.
C.M. Hall's way of saying is perfect for me: "Or, if you outright hate the first 20 pages, just say so (and say why, gently, if possible)and move on to the next screenplay (I mean, I don't want to torture anybody with my 80 something pages, I'm pretty sure if you don't like the first 20 pages you won't like the rest of it, either)."
I'll add to that "read the rest 80 after I post the rewrite please".
Question though - Will there be a deadline for a rewrite as well?
Or, if you outright hate the first 20 pages, just say so (and say why, gently, if possible)and move on to the next screenplay (I mean, I don't want to torture anybody with my 80 something pages, I'm pretty sure if you don't like the first 20 pages you won't like the rest of it, either).
Bingo. Exactly what I was thinking. Unless the collective consensus says "Nope. Gotta beat your way through the whole thing."
Yeah, I'm interested in receiving what I dish out: actionable, constructive criticism. I don't wanna get "That sux, Ray." I can't do anything with that. What am I supposed to do with that?
Too much blabby blabby. Characters fail to integrate. The language does match the target audience or MPAA rating. Too much blood. Not enough blood. Is this supposed to be satire or dark comedy? Transpose settings B and D. Alternate ending(s). Making this a period piece adds three times the cost. Clarify the protagonist's arc more at the beginning or end. Use ellipsis instead of (BEAT). Use (BEAT) instead of ellipsis. Use ... for drifting off. Use -- for interrupted dialog. Stretch the time at the beginning. Shorten the time at the end. Add more humor.
I don't think there's a deadline for rewrites. Just for completing the feature.
Just Murdered by Sean Elwood (Zombie Sean) and Gabriel Moronta (Mr. Ripley) - (Dark Comedy, Horror) All is fair in love and war. A hopeless romantic gay man resorts to bloodshed to win the coveted position of Bridesmaid. 99 pages. https://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-comedy/m-1624410571/